Caspian
Submitted by Conserve on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 21:20.
Breed Information Breed Description:
The overall impression of a Caspian should be one of a small, elegant horse - fiery, yet tractable. The Caspian exudes grace, nobility and elegance. They have fine heads with tiny ears and muzzles, large almond shaped eyes and prominent cheekbones. Many exhibit domed foreheads.
Their useful beauty is second to none. Averaging 11.3 with a 12.2 height limit, Caspians are the perfect mount for children. With proper training, the Caspian can be a standout lead-line or 4-H pony for small children, and a hunter jumper contender or competitive gymkhana mount for older children. With spectacular shoulder action, suppleness, and great maneuverability, they are also fun for adults as driving “ponies.†Caspians are natural jumpers and have great stamina. They are strong enough to carry older children (up to 120 pounds average) and even small adults with grace and willingness.
Caspians prefer herd life to long-term stabling, and stallions do well in bachelor herds when not in the breeding shed. Caspians come in most solid colors,are easy keepers, and long living.
With only 1500 world wide and approximately 500 in the USA, the Equus Survival Trust lists the Caspian Horse as Critical.
Breed History:
Caspians are an ancient, hot-blooded Central Asian breed that dates back some 6,000 years to the Persian Empire. Once thought extinct, Caspians are making a slow comeback from the brink of extinction.
Recent DNA studies suggest that the Caspian hold an ancestral postions to todays hot blooded breeds,making the Caspian one of the most ancient domestic breeds of horse in existence today.
The breed was thought extinct until 1965 when an American woman, Lousie Firouz, found them again on the shores of the Caspian Sea. In 1971, Prince Philip visited the ancient Persian palace of King Darius and was intrigued by the Caspian Horses. Soon after, the Shah of Iran presented Prince Philip with a breeding pair. Several exportations followed just prior to the Revolutionary wars in Iran. These precious few became the mainstay for the foundation and salvation of Caspian Horse outside its native country.
Average Weight:
300pounds
Breed Temperament:
Gentle/Good with Kids
Breed Uses:
Showing (Pleasure)
Breed Registries Registry Name:
(1) Caspian Horse Society of the Americas (2) North American Caspian Society
